Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Sunday in Atlanta and recorded their first win of the tournament.The 18-year-old striker scored in the 11th minute, sliding in at the back to convert a low cross. The goal made him the eighth youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history and helped Spain to recognition after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their opening game.Yamal’s name is now part of a list that includes players like Argentina Lionel Messi and Pele of Brazil.At the age of 18 years and 343 days, Yamal scored his first World Cup goal just 14 days younger than Messi when he scored his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days.According to Opta, Yamal is only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal for his country in a World Cup match. The other was Pele, who was 17 when he scored for Brazil against Wales in 1958.Yamal missed the end of Barcelona’s season with a hamstring injury and came off the bench in Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde.His place in the starting XI became a major talking point ahead of the Saudi Arabia game, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente decided to give him a start. The decision quickly paid off as Yamal opened the scoring early in the match.Despite his age, Yamal is already considered one of the leading young players in world football. He also played a key role in Spain’s European Championship triumph in 2024, having entered the tournament at the age of 16.Spain’s victory puts their World Cup campaign back on track after a disappointing result in their opening game.
